Benefits of Conflict Resolution Training for Employees

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Benefits of Conflict Resolution Training for Employees

No matter the kind of workplace, there will always be conflict. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to have conflict since it can encourage growth; however, it requires proper resolution, or else employees will feel unvalued and stressed. Conflict resolution training can provide many benefits to employees in office, restaurant, store, or other work settings. 

At its core, the lessons learned help bolster morale, resulting in higher productivity and lower turnover rates. Constructive disagreements create a positive work culture and build teamwork through effective communication means. Few people are born with these skills, and for those who have endured toxic work cultures at other agencies, they need help breaking the cycle.

If you’re considering signing up your company for conflict resolution training, read on to learn more about how it can benefit every employee. 

What Benefits Do Employees Get When They Receive Conflict Resolution Training?

Training of any kind benefits all employees who receive it, though most companies tend to focus on training that involves the day-to-day tasks of the job role. Conflict resolution training goes beyond to help employees achieve skills that may not be as intuitive. Here is a look at the advantages for employees receiving this type of training.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency

Conflicts that fester can hinder productivity and efficiency, both for individual employees and the team as a whole. By learning how to resolve these conflicts quickly, employees no longer have prolonged disruptions that hold them back. This allows them to put their energy toward performing the duties of their jobs.

Enhanced Communication and Stronger Working Relationships

Through conflict resolution training, employees learn how to actively listen to one another. For most people, this is not an intuitive skill. Many people either don’t listen or listen solely to form a rebuttal. Active listening cultivates empathy and the ability to express concerns without framing them in an accusatory fashion. By actively listening to one another, teams become stronger and more collaborative.

Higher Employee Morale and Lower Stress

Employees who feel like they are valued and are being listened to will feel more satisfaction on the job. They’ll also experience less stress and anxiety without the worries of conflict dragging things to a negative level.

Reduced Employee Turnover and Improved Retention

Employees who feel like they’re constantly in a conflict zone will seek other opportunities and leave the company. Many organizations lose top talent by not engaging employees in conflict resolution training, as these modules empower them to resolve conflict rather than escape a toxic workplace.

Better Problem-Solving Abilities and Innovations

When teams are trained in conflict management and resolution, they are capable of navigating disputes and turning things in a positive direction. Diverse points of view help breed creative solutions, which drive innovation for the company.

Less Chance for Legal Situations

Companies benefit by being proactive through conflict resolution training for their employees. When grievances are addressed in the right way, issues do not escalate into harassment or discrimination claims. While it is more cost-effective for a company to avoid legal issues, it’s also beneficial for employees who will endure greater stress throughout a lawsuit.

Conflict resolution ultimately shifts the workplace culture from one of avoidance or hostile environments to one that makes all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. It benefits the company while giving employees life-long skills they can apply beyond the workplace.

What Happens to Companies That Don’t Provide Conflict Resolution Training for its Employees?

Anyone who has been in the workforce long enough is bound to have experienced working at an organization that has antagonistic elements. When employees do not get conflict resolution training, companies are essentially shooting themselves in their own feet. 

There are many detrimental consequences when companies do not give their employees all the tools they need to succeed, and learning how to manage and resolve conflicts is one crucial skill every employee needs.

Additional Financial and Operational Costs

When employees are unhappy with the work culture and conflict abounds, they will leave. Companies with high turnover rates experience significant added expenses for recruitment and training. Every time an employee leaves, the HR department needs to recruit and train another person to fill their shoes. 

There will be lower productivity until the new hire is fully onboarded. Mismanaging conflict or pretending it doesn’t exist causes massive performance slumps, project failures, and in client-facing roles, can also cost a business accounts when those clients are unhappy with the results delivered.

Declined Productivity and Employee Morale

Conflict chips away at all employees, making them disengage from the role. They may feel demotivated because no one is listening to them, someone is taking their resources, or countless other issues. When no one effectively resolves the conflict, employees tend to mentally check out, causing a massive drop in performance that directly impacts productivity for the company.

Toxic Culture in the Workplace

Ignoring that conflicts exist or that there’s an effective way to resolve them breeds a toxic work culture. Normal disagreements become personal attacks and serve as fodder for gossip. Power struggles continue, and resentment runs rampant. 

Escalated Conflicts

The old saying about sweeping problems under the rug is an excellent metaphor for ignoring the need for conflict resolution training. You might not see the problem, but you will trip right over the obstacle it has created. 

Minor issues that could be resolved with the right training for every team member turn into major disputes. Some employees may call in sick or use vacation days to avoid dealing with the conflict, while others may blow up, creating scary safety incidents for everyone in the company.

Liability Concerns

When unfairness or racial bias is perceived, a lack of proper resolution channels can come back to haunt the company. Employees may seek legal representation or contact their union in applicable industries to file lawsuits. This can impact the company’s reputation in the industry as well as its financial standing.

How to Spot the Signs That Your Teams Need Conflict Resolution Training

If your company has never provided any kind of conflict resolution training, it’s a wise move even if you think everyone is working well together. Should any of your employees leave because they’re moving, another person will need to take their place. Someone may retire and need a replacement to fill their shoes.

There are many scenarios where even seemingly happy employees will leave the company, and conflict may arise when new people join the team. Conflict isn’t always a bad thing, but when no one knows how to deal with it, it can create huge issues. 

Not sure if your company needs conflict resolution training? If you spot any of the following signs, you shouldn’t delay.

Performance and Productivity Have Fallen Off

If delays in delivering projects keep occurring or work quality drops off significantly, it is time to examine the reasons why that’s happening. Often, it is a sign that team members are not in agreement or do not share the same goals. Training can get everyone on the same page again, working together as a cohesive unit where every employee feels like an integral part that counts.

Avoidance Behaviors

Some employees may need quiet for phone calls with clients or to put together ideas for a new pitch. However, when employees who need to collaborate on a project avoid interacting with one another, or someone is withholding important information another team member needs, it’s going to pull the whole team under water.

High Turnover and Employee Burnout

When staff feel overwhelmed or unsupported, the result is that they stop caring. Absenteeism tends to rise when companies need to use conflict resolution training. 

Bad Meetings

Team meetings should be a merger of the minds and a productive place where every employee feels like they matter. When meetings are filled with uncomfortable silences, employees don’t really participate, or people keep getting defensive, it is time to make changes by empowering them with the tools they need to resolve their differences.

Cliques and Gossiping

Have you noticed that your employees have formed groups? You might not have to worry about a group that has formed friendships and goes out to lunch regularly, especially if they invite others along. When you notice that they disparage or exclude others, the environment becomes toxic and divided. 

These signs all indicate a dire need to learn how to turn destructive conflict into constructive collaboration. Even teams that seem to run well can benefit from ensuring they have fine-tuned their active listening skills and know how to face conflicts effectively. The red flags don’t necessarily have to be there to schedule these modules. 

The best way to succeed for any company is to be proactive and stay ahead of the curve. By giving employees this type of training for conflict resolution, they will be better poised to take the organization to the next level.